International Women's Day 2025: Four generations of female police officers

PC Elli James talks about her family’s inspiring journey, having recently joined the ranks of GMP – making her the fourth generation in a family of proud female police officers.

PC Elli James, from our City of Manchester South Division, recently joined the ranks of GMP – making her the fourth generation in a family of proud female police officers.

PC James said: “This is an inspiring story of women in policing within one family, tracing the remarkable journeys of Ivy Baxter and Joyce Davis as pioneering police officers, and most recently the start of my own career with GMP, continuing a proud tradition of service and dedication."

Ivy Baxter, Elli's great-great-great aunt, made history when she joined the Metropolitan Police in 1937. Just three years later, in July 1940, Ivy was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the Isle of Man.

During her tenure, she played a vital role in maintaining security at internment camps in Port Erin and Port St Mary, demonstrating her courage and dedication to duty. Ivy continued her service until 1947, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

Continuing this tradition of trailblazing women in law enforcement, Ivy's niece, my great-great aunt Joyce Davis, joined the Metropolitan Police in 1951. Joyce was one of the original 'Fly Girls', a pioneering group of female police drivers officially introduced in the early 1950s.

She excelled as a driver during the EOKA troubles in Cyprus, showcasing her skills and breaking down barriers in a male-dominated field. These remarkable women not only performed essential duties like traffic control and incident response, but also challenged the stereotypes of their time, paving the way for future generations of female officers.

Joyce's efforts contributed to the establishment of the Metropolitan Police Women's Association (MWPA) in 1976, where she proudly became one of the first members. After 26 years of dedicated service, she retired in 1977, leaving a legacy of empowerment and progress.

Fast forward to 1996, when Elli's mother, Laura James, joined the Metropolitan Police. She began her career as a uniform response officer at Peckham station in Southeast London.

The uniforms of the 90s were distinct, featuring tunics and elegant white gloves for ceremonial occasions. One of her proudest moments came in 1997 when she served at the State Funeral of Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, tasked with static duty near the Queen Victoria Memorial, ensuring security for the royal family during a poignant moment in history.

Elli's parents met at Peckham police station. Her dad, Darren James, was also a PC at the time and went on to retire in 2022 as a Detective Sergeant after 30 years of service. 

PC James said: “Though I was born in Southeast London, my family relocated to Cornwall in 2004, seeking a safer and more picturesque environment for my sister Hannah and me. At 19, I returned to London to pursue a career with British Airways as cabin crew. However, in 2023, I made a bold move to Manchester, initially on my own, but my parents soon followed.

“It was here that I felt the time had come to honour my family's legacy by officially joining the ranks. I completed 21 weeks of training at Sedgley Park, culminating in my passing out parade on 14 February 2025.

"Words cannot express how excited I am to be a part of Greater Manchester Police and to carry forward the incredible legacy of my female ancestors, who paved the way for women in policing.

“This journey is not just about me; it's a testament to the strength, resilience, and dedication of the women in my family who have served with honour and distinction. I look forward to continuing their legacy and making my own mark in the policing family.”